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The development of many stem cells and progenitor cells is interrupted by a period of quiescence, which is a reversible non-proliferating state. Quiescent progenitor cells must "remember" their precise place in their developmental program, neither differentiating prematurely, nor losing their tissue identity. We use the microscopic nematode C. elegans to investigate how this is accomplished. When young C. elegans larvae are cultured in adverse environmental conditions they pause their development by entering dauer quiescence, an arrested, non-aging and stress-resistant stage. If conditions improve, dauer larvae recover and complete development normally. This indicates that progenitor cells in wild-type dauer larvae maintain their developmental potential, or the ability to give rise to all proper cell types. My lab uses genetic screens to discover the mechanisms that enable the maintenance of developmental potential during dauer quiescence.